ADU Zoning in Brevard County, Florida (2026)
What ADU can you build in your Brevard County backyard?
Instant zoning report — see exactly what your zoning allows: permitted ADU types, size limits, setbacks, and lot requirements for your specific property.
Brevard County ADU — Key Facts
- Brevard County ADUs require a conditional use permit (County Code Section 62-1903)
- The lot must have enough density for a second unit under its zoning and Comprehensive Plan
- Size: the district's accessory structure maximum, or 50% of the main home where none is set
- One ADU or guesthouse per lot, and the main home can have only one kitchen
- Two-story ADUs need doubled setbacks and screening from neighbors
- No ADUs in the coastal high-hazard area
Unincorporated Brevard County Rules
*These rules apply if your address is NOT inside a specific city limit.
Brevard County ADU Permit Process
- 1Confirm the parcel is in unincorporated Brevard County (Merritt Island, Viera, Mims, Port St. John and Suntree are unincorporated).
- 2Confirm the lot's density with the ADU fits its zoning and Comprehensive Plan designation, and that it is outside the coastal high-hazard area.
- 3Apply for a conditional use permit with a site depiction, floor plan and description of building materials.
- 4After County Commission approval, apply for building permits.
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Cities in Brevard County
Cape Canaveral
Cocoa
Cocoa Beach
Indialantic
Indian Harbour Beach
Melbourne
Melbourne Beach
Rockledge
Satellite Beach
Titusville
Viera
Brevard County ADU — Frequently Asked Questions
The most common questions from Brevard County homeowners about ADU rules, permits, and costs.
Does Brevard County allow ADUs?
Yes, but only with a conditional use permit approved by the County Commission (County Code Section 62-1903). The lot's density including the ADU must be consistent with its zoning and Comprehensive Plan designation, which rules out many smaller lots.
How big can an ADU be in unincorporated Brevard County?
No larger than the maximum accessory structure size for the zoning classification. Where the classification sets no maximum, the ADU can be up to 50% of the size of the main home.
Can I build an ADU near the coast in Brevard County?
Not in the coastal high-hazard area, where Section 62-1903 prohibits ADUs, so check whether your parcel is in that area before applying. Unincorporated areas such as Merritt Island follow these county rules; Cocoa Beach, Satellite Beach and the other beach cities have their own.
What setbacks does a two-story ADU need in Brevard County?
Double the setbacks that would otherwise apply, and upper-story windows, decks and openings must be shielded so they do not look directly into neighboring homes.
Florida ADU Laws 2026 — What State Law Does and Doesn't Do
How §163.31771 works, and what your local government controls.
Find out what ADU you can build in your backyard
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